So many American brands have been offshored, that when you shop, you feel as if you have no choice but to purchase goods made elsewhere.
It’s why I tell people, “Start small. Read labels.” Do lots of research first.” I’ve also learned a great deal through trial and error.
When I first began buying Made in USA, for example, I needed a new bathroom scale, and after diligent research, I found the Cardinal/Detecto company website.
Although the website copy didn’t say “Made in the USA,” the About page did say the company’s headquarters and factory were in Webb City, MO — and that the company sold its products through distributors. It didn’t say anything about multiple factories around the world.
Today, that messaging would have been a red flag, but at the time, I didn’t know better.
Pro Tip: If the website doesn’t state, “Made in USA” or “Made in [state name]” with supporting messaging, photos, etc. the product isn’t made here. Ignore all the “sustainability” messaging, which is meant to distract you.
I had to order the scale through Walmart (second red flag) and then wait a week for it to arrive. Once in hand, I carefully unpacked it and realized, with great dismay, it had been made in China. Feeling like I had been duped by the company, I returned the scale.
Vintage market is full of Made in USA products
As I keep seeing in various blog posts, the most sustainable item is a product you already own — and you can extend that to include vintage products.
The vintage market includes yard sales, antique and second-hand stores such as Savers, and sites such as Etsy and eBay.
I found my awesome Made in USA Hanson scale on eBay.
Established in 1888 and located in Northbrook, IL (north of Chicago) during its heyday, the Hanson Scale Company was founded by two brothers, Marius and William Hanson, natives of Denmark.
According to the Made in Chicago Museum, the Hanson name was among the best known in the spring scale trade for the better part of a century. My scale may have been made after the company was sold to Sunbeam in 1968; manufacturing was then moved to Mississippi.
I found this photo of the vintage product label (it wasn’t included with my scale). Note the callouts for the DuPont Mylar Mat (which is very easy to clean) and the patented “Equalizer Bar.”
My Hanson scale is still working fine after decades of use. Plus, it fits perfectly with my 1960 mid-century ranch home.
Have you found a wonderful vintage Made in USA product? Share your story in the comments section. I’d love to hear it.
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Links
Made in USA: Nantucket Looms Handwoven Kitchen Towels — The story of my impulse kitchen towel purchase and how I found Nantucket Looms
Hanson Scale Company, est. 1888 — Made in Chicago Museum
Full Disclosure
I’m not paid nor asked to write about products or the companies that make them. All links in this piece are FREE — meaning, they’re not sponsored or paid for. I buy products, use them, and if I like them, I tell everyone about them.
I do this because my mission is to keep manufacturing jobs stateside. This mission is my way of giving back. We like to think a “small” choice, such as buying a product made by American workers, won’t make a difference. It does.
